Smoker Craft, Inc., a boat manufacturer that produces aluminum fishing boats, fiberglass sport boats and next-generation performance pontoons, will invest $4.1 million to expand its operations center in New Paris, Indiana, creating up to 100 new jobs by 2018.

The homegrown-Hoosier company will renovate and equip its 500,000 square-foot production facility at 68143 Clunette St. in New Paris. Expanding with 90,000 additional square feet operational by March, the company’s growth will allow it to increase production by 50 percent and create manufacturing efficiencies in quality and consistency.

“We chose to expand our presence in Indiana because it has been our home since 1903,” said Doug Smoker, President/CEO of Smoker Craft. “It has an excellent workforce which believes in hard work and dedication to the company. Many of our workers have been with us for over 20 years. The state is working hard to grow the workforce through many local programs and it remains very attractive from a regulation standpoint. Clearly Indiana is the place where we want to grow.” Smoker Craft, which currently employs more than 440 full-time associates, plans to begin hiring for line positions in February.

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Smoker Craft, Inc. up to $780,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $20,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Elkhart County approved additional incentives at the request of Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.

“The addition of 100 new higher paying jobs is tremendous news for the county,” said John Letherman, President of the Elkhart County Council. “Smoker Craft has thrived in Elkhart County as a family-owned and operated company with roots dating back to 1903. We are pleased Smoker Craft decided to continue their long relationship with Elkhart County and the community of New Paris in choosing to expand their facility.”